Peachgrove Team
This is our team of teachers and staff at Educare Peachgrove. Scroll through to find out more about our teaching team.
Paula Ruston
Centre Manager, Registered Teacher
Kia ora, ko Paula taku ingoa. I am a full registered Early Childhood teacher, born and raised in the Waikato. I have worked in the Early Childhood sector for over 20 years and have learnt so much about myself and my passion and role in ECE.
I look forward to working with parents, whānau, kaiako and tamariki in my role as Centre Manager, building relationships, resilience and a sense of belonging in a fun learning environment. Outside of work I am a mum of two teenage children and a loving partner. I enjoy being creative in arts and crafts, painting and sewing etc... I love learning new things.
Olivia Paley
Team Leader, Registered Teacher
Hi. My name is Olivia. I have been teaching since 2008, and have experience with children of all ages.
I have a strong philosophy in building relationships and working in partnership with the children and their whānau.
My interests are in music and movement as well as physical activity. I am a mother of three teenage and grown up (15, 18 and 22) and in my spare time I volunteer as a dog obedience instructor and participate in judo.
Kristina Laird
Registered Teacher
Kia Ora my name is Kristina and I have a Bachelor of Education. I work in preschool and really enjoy this age group and the conversations and discoveries that you can make together. Growing up on a farm in the lower North Island I developed a love of the outdoors and this is the place where you will generally find me involved in some sort of physical activity with the tamariki. I am married and have 2 teenage tamariki of my own, a daughter and a son. When I am not working you will find me either driving my Mum taxi to sports or other outings, catching up with friends, relaxing at home or going for a walk, or running to keep fit.
Minyan Zhang
Registered Teacher
Hi, my name is Minyan. I have completed my study in Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and became qualified in 2020.
I believe each child is a unique individual and is born with a range of strengths and has every right to be who he/she is. I would like to follow children’s interests as their will choose and design their play.
I look forward to working with your children and being a part of their learning journey here at Educare Peachgrove.
Yan Cong
Registered Teacher
Kia ora whānau! I am excited to be part of the team at Educare Peachgrove.
I am a fully registered ECE teacher, graduating in 2009 with a Masters in Education. Prior to my previous six years of teaching as a qualified primary school teacher overseas, I have worked in early childhood centres in the Waikato region for 15 years both as a teacher and head teacher.
I enjoy working in a play-based learning environment and have a strong value in ‘Learning through play'. I have worked with tamariki whose families are from different cultures, and children with special needs. I strongly believe that each child is a unique individual, and inclusiveness is a big part of my teaching practice. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and having a cup of tea in the sunshine.
Shauna Putt
Registered Teacher
Hello my name is Shauna, I was born in South Africa and lived there for 5 years.
My hobbies include running, going for walks as well as spending time with my friends and family! I am very passionate about working with the tamariki! I have completed my bachelor in Early Childhood Education and my diploma. I look forward to getting to know you and your tamāriki!
Shailendra Sharma
Registered Teacher
Kia ora Whānau, I’m Shailendra, I am married and have 2 handsome boys. I am originally from the Fiji Islands and after my tertiary education, I taught for 7 years as a high school teacher. I migrated to New Zealand with my family in 2009 and developed my interest into Early Childhood then completed my graduate diploma (ECE). I have worked as a teacher, head teacher and assistant manager in different centres and I have enjoyed being in this industry. I love music, sports, gardening and carpentry. I believe that children need nurturing and a caring learning environment where they can be supported to develop their strengths, skills, abilities and knowledge to extend their learning. I support child centred learning and I believe that children learn best through play.
Adrian Ding
Provisionally Registered Teacher
Kia Ora, my name is Adrian, and I have completed my studies for a Master of
Teaching Early childhood education and became qualified in 2021. I also had
3 years of Art studies, especially in painting, and I love to see the creative
world made by Tamariki.
I enjoy playing outside with tamariki and seeing the children build an
understanding of the world from nature.
I believe all children are born with immense potential, and quality early
learning should help our children begin to realise that potential and build a
strong foundation for later learning and life.
Jessica Holland
Teacher
Kia ora tamariki and whanaau, my name is Jess. I have been a part of Educare Peachgrove since 2018 alongside my son who is now in school. I am so happy to be here supporting your tamariki, spending one on one time with them and seeing the world through their lens. I am close to finishing my diploma in Early childhood, and have a strong belief that each child being able to explore and learn in their own ways. I enjoy music, animals, and spending time with my family.
Shantell Knox
Nutritionist
Kia Ora whānau, my name is Shantell Knox and I'm the nutritionist for Educare Peachgrove.
I enjoy going into work every morning as the kids are funny and make me laugh all the time.
I like to spend time with my own family and I also enjoy doing cross stitch, diamond art and crochet.
Jax Goss
Administrator
I’m Jax. I’m the administrator here at Educare Peachgrove.
I’ve worked with children in a range of environments, and thoroughly enjoy the way they see the world!
My goal here is to make the logistics and admin as efficient as possible so that we can all focus on the wellbeing and growth of your tamariki.
